The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on citizens to uphold the national values to make the country greater and prosperous.

The chairman, Nigerian Reputation Management Group (NRMG), Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, made the call in a statement to celebrate the inaugural edition of the Nigeria Reputation Day on Wednesday in Abuja.

NRMG was put together by the NIPR.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Better Reputation, Better Nigeria”.

“Today marks a defining chapter in our nation’s story, the inaugural Nigeria Reputation Day. It is a day for reflection and renewal; a day to recognise one of our greatest national assets: our name.

“The theme carries a truth that speaks to all of us, that the image of our country is shaped not by slogans or policies alone, but by the conduct, integrity, and values of each Nigerian.

“Our reputation is not merely perception; it is power,” he said.

According to him, it determines how the world receives us, how investors trust our markets, how our youths are treated abroad, and how proudly our children identify with their homeland.

“Rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation, therefore, is not only about fixing systems, it is about restoring trust, strengthening character, and living with integrity.

“Nigerians have shown, time and again, that we are creative, resilient, and unbreakable in spirit. Yet to fully harness these gifts, we must anchor them in honesty and accountability.

“Every act of fairness, promise kept, and every truth spoken is a quiet brick with which we build a stronger, more respected Nigeria,” Mr Badejo-Okusanya said.

According to him, our challenges are real, but are also not insurmountable.

He noted that, around the world, and within our borders, we have seen communities revived and nations renewed when people chose to act differently, persistently, and together.

Mr Badejo-Okusanya explained that NRMG identified five pillars for building and sustaining Nigeria’s reputation.

“They include consistency, transparency, responsibility, respect and excellence.

“Our reputation is not built by policies alone; it is expressed daily through our creativity, our culture, and our people.

“Across the world, Nigeria’s image is shaped by what we call “The M-Factor”, our five engines of soft power: Music, Movies, Media, Minds, and Fashion,” he said.

According to him, the M-Factor aligns with integrity, making Nigeria unstoppable. Let our music carry messages of dignity as much as rhythm.

“Let our films uplift as much as they entertain, media amplify truth, not toxicity, fashion express pride anchored in purpose and let our minds lead with clarity, conscience, and courage.

“This is how a nation earns respect, when culture and character move in the same direction.

“We will renew our shared commitment to honour, trust, and uphold the values that make Nigeria great.

“Together, we can build a nation that commands respect, attracts opportunity, and reflects the greatness that lies within us all,” he said.

(NAN)